Talk to any entrepreneurs and the chances are they will tell you that one of the biggest challenges is creating businesses and brands that are sustainable and can exist for the long haul. South African entrepreneur, Marang Marekimane, has recognised this challenge and her company Business In Theory is poised to help others to get their systems and processes in place to create solid, sustainable businesses that can go the distance.
LoA spoke to Marang Marekimane this month to find out more about this interesting business that is positively impacting on the lives of other entrepreneurs.
What does your company do?
As Business In Theory, I partner with entrepreneurs to improve their business operations. I assist entrepreneurs to create structure, improve processes and implement systems – all in an effort to create a more sustainable business.
"In 2014, I made a decision to use my experience with large corporates to improve the sustainability of those in the SMME sector."
What inspired you to start your company?
Some of my friends call me “MacGyver” to sum up how I’m a solutions-oriented person.
For more than a decade, I worked on projects to improve business operations for large corporations. The high failure rate of SMMEs concerned me. The reasons for failure stem from lack of education, experience and poorly planned business operations, all of which I can assist with. In 2014, I made a decision to use my experience with large corporates to improve the sustainability of those in the SMME sector. I love assisting entrepreneurs improve their businesses. I document business models and process manuals. This exposes the opportunities and threats for a business, and I assist entrepreneurs to create strategies to manage the threats and exploit opportunities.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Not all entrepreneurs have the skill to objectively review their business operations and develop strategies to grow a business. This is not an audit with penalties; it is a partnership to creating sustainability. I’m not looking for equity into your business, we can work on a retainer where I am on-site twice a week, if I need to be on-site. That’s the alternative to me being on site daily or in a workshop.
"As Business In Theory, I partner with entrepreneurs to improve their business operations. I assist entrepreneurs to create structure, improve processes and implement systems – all in an effort to create a more sustainable business."
Tell us a little about your team
I’ve implemented a lean model for my business. For more than a decade I worked in the financial services industry - now I’m exposed to various industries and have a network of business service providers to assist me depending on the project. Based on our conversation about your company, I will assist you to resolve the challenges otherwise I will refer the right person for the job.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Before taking the plunge, I worked for large corporations as a project manager on strategic projects. Over that decade, I learnt the value of good governance in a business, how to manage successful teams, how to improve business operations - which is knowledge I now share with entrepreneurs. True to my nature, I’m a problem solver. This business enables me to assist entrepreneurs resolve the challenges in their business operations. I’ve dabbled in business before – I once was part of a trio that had a tailoring service. Can’t really say I’ve always been entrepreneurial, but this feels right.
"True to my nature, I’m a problem solver. This business enables me to assist entrepreneurs resolve the challenges in their business operations."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To have a broader international network of consultants that assist to improve business operations for SMEs; to host more seminars, averaging 3 a year, for entrepreneurs to connect entrepreneurs; to operate a business in South Africa when corruption is unheard of, we pay less tax and it takes 10 days or less to start a fully compliant business – of course that means an increase in the number of great entrepreneurs with diverse offerings to solve our social eco-system and reduce unemployment.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
It’s a great sense of achievement to create structure for a business. When my work means an entrepreneur can focus on increasing capacity for their business, that’s when it adds value for both me and the entrepreneur.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Go for it. Plan what it is you offer, and how you plan to deliver it. Do not be afraid to learn something new.
Contact or follow Business in Theory
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | EMAIL marangm@businessintheory.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
Entrepreneurs have a continual need for specialist business support, advice and information, and Marang Marekimane has found a niche for her expertise by providing a support system for other entrepreneurs. Her business is growing, as her network of entrepreneurial clients grows, and she is part of an ecosystem in South Africa that is focused on helping a new generation of entrepreneurs to thrive. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa